How to Decorate Around a Gas Log Fireplace

Decorate around a gas fireplace for a cozy look and feel.

Whether fireplaces are wood-burning or gas-powered doesn't matter a bit when it comes to designing the space around them. By incorporating decorative elements above, beside and below the surround area, the fireplace becomes more visually important. The result is a focal point that is functional and attractive at the same time.

Gallery Wall

Use the wall above a gas-log fireplace to display a gallery full of photographs and mementos. Create a gallery wall by taking an odd number of same-colored frames and filling them with photographs. Include at least nine frames and span the display across the entire wall of the fireplace surround. Incorporate black-and-white photographs to give the arrangement a unifying visual look. Mix in a few additional items; some possibilities are a black wooden letter with the initial of the homeowner, a small black decorative mirror or a black-and-white piece of art to give the gallery wall additional visual interest.

Decorative Mirror

Hang a large decorative mirror on the wall above a gas-log fireplace to reflect natural sunlight and give the space added dimension. Choose a mirror that is about as large as the firebox section of the fireplace surround for the best scale. Hang the mirror eight inches above the mantel. Select a mirror that complements the decorating style of the room, such as an antique white, distressed, oval mirror for a shabby-chic space or a sleek, nickel-plated, sunburst mirror for a contemporary room. Mirrors often make rooms feel larger and give a room added depth at the same time.

Wood Basket

Fill a woven basket with decorative items and place it on the floor next to the gas-log fireplace. Place the basket in a spot that does not get hot from the gas flames for safety's sake. Select a large twig basket in a medium tone of wood. Baskets with handles are good candidates because they can easily be moved if needed. Layer the inside with a decorative throw and allow the edges of it to spill over the edge of the basket. Use throws that coordinate with the decor of the room, such as a checked, wool for a lodge-style room or a chevron pattern for a contemporary design. Add birch logs and fragrant, cinnamon pine cones on the inside for a cozy accent.

Hearth Rug

Place a flame-retardant hearth rug on the floor in front of a gas-log fireplace to help anchor the fireplace design. Use a rug that is the same length as the fireplace surround to visually elongate it. Select a rug that highlights the decor of the room in terms of color, texture and style. For example, use a Persian-style rug for a traditional room and a Aubusson rug for a French-themed space. To create a cohesive fireplace design, coordinate the colors and style of the wall treatment above the fireplace and the floor hearth rug for a pleasing final result.

About the Author

Based in upstate New York, Amy Mosher has been writing interior design and lifestyle articles since 2005. She is a prolific professional blogger, designer, artist and writer for various websites. She holds a bachelor's degree from Mansfield University and is a graduate of the Sheffield School of Interior Design.